[en] A wavefront control system will be employed on NIF to correct beam aberrations that otherwise would limit the minimum target focal spot size. For most applications, NIF requires a focal spot that is a few times the diffraction limit. Sources of aberrations that must be corrected include prompt pump-induced distortions in the laser slabs, thermal distortions in the laser slabs from previous shots, manufacturing figure errors in the optics, beam off-axis effects, gas density variations, and gravity, mounting, and coating- induced optic distortions. The NIF Wavefront Control System consists of five subsystems: 1) a deformable mirror, 2) a wavefront sensor, 3) a computer controller, 4) a wavefront reference system, and 5) a system of fast actuators to allow the wavefront control system to operate to within one second of the laser shot. The system includes the capability for in situ calibrations and operates in closed loop prior to the shot. Shot wavefront data is recorded. This paper describes the function, realization, and performance of each wavefront control subsystem. Subsystem performance will be characterized by computer models and by test results. The focal spot improvement in the NIF laser system effected by the wavefront control system will be characterized through computer models

[en] The authors present expansion measurements on a La_1.85Sr_0.15CuO₄ single crystal in external magnetic fields. Clear anomalies of the thermal expansion are observed at the superconducting transition. They have studied in detail the anisotropic influence of external fields on the anomalies. As expected, the field dependence is maximum for B parallel c and minimum for B perpendicular c. The measured angular dependence corresponds to that of an anisotropic 3d superconductor with an anisotropy parameter γ ≅ 18

No abstract available

[en] The aim of modern diagnostic procedures in hepato-biliary and pancreatic tumours is the characterization of origin, type and resectability of a lesion and the staging of the tumour. Furthermore, preoperative diagnostic methods should reduce the operative risk by demonstration of anatomical variations i.e. hepatic blood supply. In addition alternative therapeutic concepts like chemoembolization should be kept in mind. (orig./MG)

[en] Benign pancreatic tumors should undergo surgical resection when they are symptomatic or - in the case of incidental discovery - bear malignant potential. This is the case for the majority of benign pancreatic tumors, especially for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms or mucinous cystic adenomas. In addition, resection is indicated for all tumors where preoperative diagnostic fails to provide an exact classification. Several different operative techniques are available. The treatment of choice depends on the localization of the tumor, its size and on whether there is evidence of malignant transformation. Partial duodenopancreatectomy is the oncological treatment of choice for tumors of the pancreatic head whereas for tumors of the pancreatic tail a left-sided pancreatectomy is appropriate. Middle pancreatectomy or duodenum-preserving resection of the pancreatic head is not a radical oncologic procedure. They should only be performed in cases of tumors without malignant potential. (orig.)

[en] In rats suffering from hepatic enzymatic deficiency transplanted hepatocytes could be evidenced scintigraphically in liver, spleen and granulomas. In pigs, however, it is very difficult to demonstrate transplanted hepatocytes by scintiscanning because of the thickness of the tissues and the high background radiation in large animals

[en] Esophageal perforation (EP) is still associated with a high mortality rate, even after surgical repair. We reviewed 17 cases of EP to evaluate the management of this major surgical problem. We reviewed the medical records of all patients treated for EP in our department between November 2001 and November 2004. Therapy was based on various patient-related factors. Seventeen patients, with a mean age of 63 years, presented with EP mostly caused by iatrogenic incidents (11/17). In nine patients, the perforation was located in the thoracic segment, with a mean size of 2.5±0.6 cm. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) was performed in all patients to assess the periesophageal inflammation precisely. More than 50% showed signs of systemic inflammation indicative of sepsis, reflected by a dramatic increase in serum C-reactive protein and leukocytosis. Treatment consisted of debridement and drainage (n=3), primary repair (n=3), reinforced repair (n=4), esophageal resection (n=5), and conservative measures (n=2). All patients, except for three with pre-existing liver dysfunction and other comorbidities, survived, representing a mortality rate of 17.6% (14/17). An analysis of the literature (2000-2005) revealed an overall mortality rate of 19.7% (101/521), ranging from 3% to 67%. Our data support the individualized surgical management of EP, based on careful evaluation of various patient-related factors, including CT findings. (author)

No abstract available

No abstract available

[en] Published in summary form only